Caleb Harris
After nine NFL seasons, Steven Nelson decided to call it a career. The veteran cornerback, who played as team captain for the Houston Texans last season made the surprising decision to retire over the weekend.
The 31-year-old told KPRC-TV in Houston that he is stepping away from gaming because he wants to spend more time with his family.
“Retirement, after thinking about it and talking to my family, I think it’s time to take a step back and spend more time with my family,” Nelson said. “We are expecting a newborn next month and I wanted to dedicate all my time and energy to that and various business ventures off the field. I am extremely proud of what I was able to do in football. “
Although Nelson never made the Pro Bowl, he still managed to put together an impressive career that began in 2015 after the Kansas City Chiefs selected him in the third round of the NFL Draft. After coming off the bench as a rookie, Nelson earned a starting spot during his second season in Kansas City and would end up starting at least 15 games in seven of his final eight seasons.
After four years with the Chiefs, Nelson moved to Pittsburgh, where he spent two seasons with the Steelers (2019-20). In 2020, Nelson finished third in interceptions for a Steelers team that started 11-0.
Following his time in Pittsburgh, Nelson headed to Philadelphia for the 2021 season before signing with the Texans in 2022. The cornerback thrived during his time in Houston, especially in the 2023 season when he finished second on the team with four interceptions. .
Nelson made 16 starts last season for Houston and likely could have easily found a starting role in 2024 had he decided he wanted to continue playing. According to KPRC, Nelson has attracted serious interest or been offered a contract by several teams, including the Raiders, Giants, Rams, Commanders and Dolphins.
Although Nelson decided to reject these offers, he left the door slightly open for a possible return in the future.
“I will always keep my body in shape and I will always be ready if the right opportunity arises or if I feel like the time is right and my heart is in it, I will do it,” Nelson said. “From now on, I think it’s best to take a step back and just enjoy my family.”
If this is it for Nelson, his career will certainly end on a high note. Nelson recorded an 82-yard pick-six against the Browns that essentially iced Houston’s victory during the team’s 45-14 wild card victory.
Nelson’s touchdown turned a close 24-14 game into a 31-14 Houston lead, and at that point the rout began. Nelson made the playoffs during seven of his nine NFL seasons and even played in the AFC championship game, which came in 2018 when the Chiefs lost to the Patriots 37-31 in overtime.
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